Ireland: A Television History

Six Counties (1921-1974)

0.0February 17, 1981

From its foundation in 1921, the new Protestant state of Northern Ireland proclaimed its loyalty to the UK, protected by the armed Royal Ulster Constabulary and 'B' Special Reserves against internal and external threats. The minority Catholic and Nationalist population suffered widespread discrimination for nearly 50 years. In the late 1960s, the frustration of Catholics boiled over. Civil rights marchers were batoned and stoned by Unionist mobs. The British Armv was sent in to protect Catholics but killed 13 Catholics in Derry on Bloody Sunday. After more terror, Westminster imposed direct rule on Northern Ireland. A Protestant general strike defeated an attempt at sharing power between the two communities.